Informing this to reporters here on October 27, Tuesday, Roy Castelino, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy said Crasta has been chosen for this award in recognition of his invaluable services to the poor, destitutes, aged and the orphans. Crasta has also been offering free meals to nearly 700 poor people at the Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru.

Roy Castelino said presently as many as 120 orphans and destitutes are being taken care of by Crasta at his Snehalaya shelter home.

The Awardee was selected by a selection committee comprising of Roy Castelino, Ronald Anil Fernandes, Fr William Menezes, Harikrishna Punaroor, Dr BG Suvarna, CG Pinto, Elias Fernandes and Rohan Monteiro from among the 17 applications received this year.

The Award presentation ceremony will be held at Don Bosco Hall in Mangaluru on November 17 at 5 pm. Mangaluru Bishop Rev. Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza will present the award in the presence of dignitaries including State Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Fisheries Abhayachandra Jain. Roy Castelino, MLC Ivan D’Souza and others.

Selection Committee members Elias Fernandes, Dr BG Suvarna, Fr William Menezes and Harikrishna Punaroor were present at the press meet.